The Testimony of Three Witnesses.
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this
work shall come, that we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord
Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a
record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, his brethren, and
also of the people of Jared, which came from the tower of which hath been
spoken; and we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power
of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety,
that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings
which are upon the plates; and they have been shewn unto us by the power of
God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an Angel
of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that
we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it
is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld
and bear record that these things are true; and it is marvelous in our eyes:
Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record
of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear
testimony of these things.—And we know that if we are faithful
in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found
spotless before the judgment seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him
eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
OLIVER COWDERY,
DAVID WHITMER,
MARTIN HARRIS.
And Also the Testimony of Eight Witnesses.
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this
work shall come, that Joseph Smith, Jun., the Author and Propietor of this
work, has shewn unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the
appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has
translated, we did handle with our hands; and we also saw the engravings
thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work, and of curious
workmanship. And this we bear record, with words of soberness, that the said
Smith has shewn unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and know of a surety
that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken. And we give
our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen:
and we lie not, God bearing witness of it.
CHRISTIAN WHITMER,
JACOB WHITMER,
PETER WHITMER, JUN.,
JOHN WHITMER,
HIRAM PAGE,
JOSEPH SMITH, SEN.,
HYRUM SMITH,
SAMUEL H. SMITH.